SYMBOLS ON THE KHACHKAR

The Khachkar is a uniquely Armenian cultural creation. As an art form it dates back to the 9th century. This khachkar, carved in 2015, is dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial in remembrance of 1.5 million Armenian Martyrs. At the very top is Mt. Ararat and the date of the Genocide inscribed on the hanging “Perpetual Bell” which rings through the ages reminding the world of this “Great Crime”. The central symbol of the khachkar is the cross itself, the foundation of our Christian faith. The empty partitions above the cross represent our lost cities, once inhabited by the Armenian people. On the right side of the partitions– rising to the heavens–is the fire and smoke of our desolate churches and homes. The circular wheel of eternity symbolizes the earth. When the cross is bisected down the middle and half-way around the side of the circle, it reveals the Armenian letter ” Է ” or Ē – the symbol for God (numeric value of 7). Finally, the ornamentation on either side represents the Tree of Life. The pomegranates and the grape clusters represent our collective desire to thrive as Armenians.